Karen Wilson finds out who's building what in the prime town and city locations.

Karen Wilson finds out who's building what in the prime town and city locations.

THE benefits of living in a town or city centre are attracting buyers in the North-East in their droves. And it's not just the young and lively twentysomethings that are snapping them up.

Older buyers too are moving into smaller properties conveniently located developments with shops, restaurants, pubs, amenities and good transport links just a short walk away.

For romeos who are looking for something a little different to impress their partners with this Valentine's weekend, then a visit to 77 Grainger Street is a must!

The prominent corner building in the heart of Grainger Town has undergone a &#xA3;500,000 transformation and will give another boost to the area's thriving residential market.

Anyone attracted by city living, or who even just fancies having a look round, will be welcomed by the Business Homes Residential team between 11am and 5pm tomorrow and Sunday.

Business Homes Residential Ltd announced the start of extensive refurbishment on the Grade II listed building in August 2001 and has already transformed it into 10 luxury apartments, all of which are now available.

There will be shops on the ground floor and the other three floors, with the introduction of a mezzanine fourth floor, have been transformed into one and two-bedroom apartments. Prices range from &#xA3;105,000 to &#xA3;169,500. Tel King Sturge on (0191) 230-2033.

First-time buyers at Wimpey Homes Eden Vale development can benefit from fantastic offers on the last remaining two-bedroom Aura homes.

For a limited period buyers can take advantage of 5pc deposit paid, carpets throughout and &#xA3;350 towards legal fees.

Eden Vale is only a ten-minute walk from Sunderland's thriving cosmopolitan centre with restaurants, bars, theatres, shops and galleries to suit all tastes. "The location of the development has generated a lot of interest," says Joan Pringle. "Not a lot of prime residential sites come up in the city."

The development features a range of two and three- bedroom homes. Buyers can also benefit from part exchange and all carpets included or &#xA3;400 towards the mortgage each month for a year. The Aura is priced at &#xA3;81,250, tel (0191) 564-0769.

The front block of Barratt's Stainthorpe Court may only be at foundation level at the moment, but it hasn't stopped eager buyers snapping up apartments here.

Barratt is now constructing the second phase of this prestigious development on the site of the old post office in Battle Hill, in the centre of Hexham.

Stainthorpe Court consists of 39 apartments, all with en suite, double glazing, energy-efficient central heating and a secure entry-phone system. Apartments on the new front block are priced from &#xA3;111,995.

A couple of apartments also remain on the top floor of the back block providing safe, secure accommodation. These come complete with carpets and fitted wardrobes in the main bedroom. Prices start from &#xA3;113,500, tel (01434) 607 928.

The collection of stylish townhouses and luxury apartments at Bryant Homes' exclusive Highgate development are proving particularly attractive to purchasers looking to make smart moves with their money because of their excellent location, good security and low maintenance costs.

With almost half the homes at Highgate already snapped up by eager purchasers, just three townhouses are currently available, priced from &#xA3;282,000. In a highly sought after location in the heart of the city, homes at Highgate offer good investments for those buying to let and for longer term returns.

According to Jan Dale, sales director for Bryant Homes North-East, location always plays a key part in choosing a property for investment. Enjoying a particularly desirable setting, offering stunning views of the city including its famous castle and cathedral, Highgate is surrounded by mature trees in the very heart of Durham, with the city centre, the mainline railway station and the riverside walkway all within very short walking distance, tel (0191) 386-9921.

The sales office is now open at Sanford Court, McCarthy & Stone's retirement development in Queen Alexandra Road in Ashbrooke.

The development for the over-60s has attracted more than 400 inquiries to date - nearly 10 for every one of the 43 flats.

Catherine Gartland, sales consultant at Sanford Court, attributes this high level of interest to the way the development is purpose-built for older people and to its enviable location in a prestigious suburban district.

She said: "Not only do we overlook Backhouse Park, we are also on the main bus route into Sunderland city centre, a five minute ride away.

"There are a post office, a chemist, a newsagent and a hairdresser within walking distance, as well as two churches and a leisure centre with bowling and cricket."

Flats at Sanford Court are priced at &#xA3;79,950 for a one-bedroom and from &#xA3;124,950 for a two-bedroom property. Tel (0191) 511-0973.

Barratt is celebrating a fantastic sales success at Berkeley Court in Newcastle city centre.

The stylish apartment development is proving so popular that the housebuilder has had to release the third phase for sale and there is not even a sales cabin on site yet.

Buyers interested in a home at Berkeley Court are currently travelling to The Leas in Monkseaton to see a 3D model of the development and view a show apartment.

Berkeley Court is a development of one and two-bedroom luxury apartments being built in Westmorland Road, close to Blandford Square. Situated in a conservation area, this development has been designed to blend in with the surrounding area, using traditional materials such as timber window frames and slate roofing.

Apartments are priced from &#xA3;87,995. Most apartments will come with an allocated parking space. Tel (0191) 251-7505.